IoT Connectivity

IoT connectivity isn’t limited to smartphone use. The technology has existed for over a decade and is the idea that ordinary objects can be connected to the cloud, devices, and IoT gateways.

IoT devices can range from smartphones to self-driving vehicles and factory sensors. Research into connecting other commonly used devices, including streetlights and robots, remains ongoing.

IoT devices tell you more about your business and its daily operations. Different devices can track, monitor, and analyze data in real-time to help business leaders make more informed decisions.

Advanced IoT technology can measure staff productivity, customer behavior, and operations efficiency. With the introduction of AI-powered tools, organizations have more options than ever to forecast future trends and act accordingly.

Internet of Things connectivity isn’t a single connection type. Connectivity is possible via a range of different solutions. Knowing your options can help you think outside the box and make the best decision for your organization.

The connection types available are:

• Cellular – This is the most popular choice for connectivity and utilizes cell phone networks. Devices only need a SIM card to connect.
• WiFi – Your home or business WiFi connection can also be a place for your devices to connect. However, security vulnerabilities and strict coverage limits exist when connecting via WiFi.
• Bluetooth – Designed for short-range connections, Bluetooth devices use weak signals to communicate with minimal interference. Mesh network topology can increase its range.
• Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) – LoRaWAN is designed explicitly with IoT in mind. It uses unlicensed frequency bands, so users don’t pay for data transmission within their infrastructures. It also enjoys good indoor penetration, lower power usage, and excellent coverage.
• Ethernet – Ethernet packages are matched with whatever your devices need to transmit and receive data. Unfortunately, Ethernet requires a hardwired connection, making mobility impossible.
• M-Bus – M-Bus is a European standard specifically designed for smart meter communication. These low-frequency protocols come with easy integrations and reasonable indoor penetration. As an open-source solution, wireless M-Bus suffers from interoperability problems.
• Power Line Communication – Using power lines as a hardwired option is a unique connectivity option if you can access your power lines. However, it can deliver interference, making it a simple yet unreliable option.

Each IoT protocol has its pros and cons. Larger companies will often use multiple connectivity packages for various purposes. Familiarizing yourself with the benefits of each is vital for making the right decision for your organization.

Choosing a suitable IoT connectivity option will impact productivity, efficiency, transparency, cost, and usability. Before discussing providers, you need to analyze the requirements of your business to make the most of IoT.

First, consider the distances involved in communication. Bluetooth and any hardwired IoT package will be off the table if you require long-distance communication. Cellular connectivity offers the most comprehensive coverage, which is why it’s the most popular option as distances between workers and workstations increase.

You also need to consider the amount of data that needs to be transmitted. Data-heavy devices transmitting complex data will need a connectivity option to handle that.

Additionally, you need to think about power consumption. Some IoT connectivity options weren’t designed for power-hungry devices. Remember, the power consumption of the protocol will impact your devices’ lifespan.

IoT connectivity is a critical component of an IoT ecosystem, as it enables the communication and transfer of data between connected devices and the cloud. IoT devices are connected through wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite, and require reliable connectivity to function correctly.

IoT connectivity is responsible for ensuring that data is transmitted securely and on time while optimizing power consumption and bandwidth usage. It provides the foundation for all other aspects of the IoT ecosystem, including data processing, analysis, and visualization.

Without reliable IoT connectivity, the data generated by IoT devices would be unusable, and the benefits of the IoT ecosystem would not be realized. Therefore, IoT connectivity is a critical component that underpins the entire IoT ecosystem.